User control of smart home system

ABSTRACT

Described herein are systems, methods, devices, and other techniques for implementing smart windows, smart home systems that include smart windows, and user devices and applications for control thereof. A smart window, or photovoltaic window, may include a photovoltaic configured to generate electrical power from incident light onto the photovoltaic window, store the electrical power, and send the electrical power to an electronics package or various electrical loads including a wireless communication system, sensors, or window functions. The photovoltaic window may communicate with various smart home system devices such as hub devices and user devices, which may include the reception of control data at the photovoltaic window and the transmission of sensor data captured by the window sensors.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 63/106,857, filed Oct. 28, 2020, entitled“PHOTOVOLTAIC SMART WINDOW,” the entire content of which is incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Photovoltaic devices are commonly employed to convert light intoelectricity by using the photovoltaic effect, in which absorbed lightcauses the excitation of an electron or other charge carrier to ahigher-energy state. The separation of charge carriers of opposite typesleads to a voltage that can be utilized by an external circuit.Photovoltaic devices, such as photovoltaic solar cells, can be packagedtogether to constitute a photovoltaic array of a larger photovoltaicsystem, such as a solar panel. The use of photovoltaic systems togenerate electricity is an important form of renewable energy thatcontinues to become a mainstream electricity source worldwide.

The surface area necessary to take advantage of solar energy remains anobstacle to offsetting a significant portion of non-renewable energyconsumption. For this reason, low-cost, transparent, organicphotovoltaic (OPV) devices that can be integrated onto window panes inhomes, skyscrapers, and automobiles are desirable. For example, windowglass utilized in automobiles and architecture are typically 70-80% and40-80% transmissive, respectively, to the visible spectrum, e.g., lightwith wavelengths from about 450 to 650 nm. The low mechanicalflexibility, high module cost and, more importantly, the band-likeabsorption of inorganic semiconductors limit their potential utility totransparent solar cells.

In contrast to inorganic semiconductors, the optical characteristics oforganic and molecular semiconductors result in absorption spectra thatare highly structured with absorption minima and maxima that areuniquely distinct from the band absorption of their inorganiccounterparts. However, while a variety of organic and molecularsemiconductors exist, many exhibit strong absorption in the visiblespectrum and thus are not optimal for use in window glass-basedphotovoltaics. Despite the progress made, there is a need in the art forimproved systems, methods, and device structures in the field oftransparent solar technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A summary of the various embodiments of the invention is provided belowas a list of examples. As used below, any reference to a series ofexamples is to be understood as a reference to each of those examplesdisjunctively (e.g., “Examples 1-4” is to be understood as “Examples 1,2, 3, or 4”).

Example 1 is a photovoltaic window comprising: a glass unit includingone or both of: an interior glass; or an exterior glass; a photovoltaicdisposed in parallel with the interior glass or the exterior glass ofthe glass unit, the photovoltaic configured to generate electrical powerfrom incident light onto the photovoltaic window; an electronics packagecoupled with the glass unit, the electronics package configured toreceive, store, and distribute the electrical power; and at least oneelectrical load configured to receive the electrical power from theelectronics package and consume the electrical power.

Example 2 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 1, wherein thephotovoltaic window does not receive external electrical power from apower source that is external to the photovoltaic window.

Example 3 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 1-2, wherein thephotovoltaic window has an average visible transmittance (AVT) of atleast 30%.

Example 4 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 1-3, wherein thephotovoltaic substantially covers a visible portion of the photovoltaicwindow.

Example 5 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 1-4, wherein the atleast one electrical load includes an exterior sensor module thatincludes one or more sensors directed toward an exterior side of thephotovoltaic window.

Example 6 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 5, wherein theexterior sensor module is mounted on either an exterior side of theexterior glass or an interior side of the exterior glass.

Example 7 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 5, wherein theexterior sensor module includes an exterior-facing camera.

Example 8 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 1-7, wherein the atleast one electrical load includes an interior sensor module thatincludes one or more sensors directed toward an interior side of thephotovoltaic window.

Example 9 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 8, wherein theinterior sensor module is mounted on either an interior side of theinterior glass or an exterior side of the interior glass.

Example 10 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 8, wherein theinterior sensor module includes an interior-facing camera.

Example 11 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 1-10, wherein the atleast one electrical load includes a wireless communication system thatis configured to communicate with an external device.

Example 12 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 1-11, wherein the atleast one electrical load includes one or more window functionsinstalled at the photovoltaic window including at least one of: a windowopening/closing mechanism; a window locking/unlocking mechanism;electric blinds; a polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) film; anelectrochromic device; or a light source.

Example 13 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 1-12, wherein one ormore of the at least one electrical load is included in the electronicspackage.

Example 14 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 1-13, wherein theelectronics package is disposed along a peripheral edge of the glassunit.

Example 15 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 1-14, wherein theelectronics package is mounted to a peripheral edge of the glass unit.

Example 16 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 1-15, wherein theelectronics package is at least partially disposed between the interiorglass and the exterior glass.

Example 17 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 1-16, wherein theglass unit includes both the interior glass and the exterior glass, andwherein the photovoltaic window further includes: a spacer disposedbetween the interior glass and the exterior glass.

Example 18 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 17, wherein theelectronics package is at least partially embedded in the spacer.

Example 19 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 1-18, furthercomprising: a frame assembly that supports at least one peripheral edgeof the glass unit.

Example 20 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 19, wherein theframe assembly includes: a frame; and a glazing stop.

Example 21 is the photovoltaic window of example(s) 20, wherein theelectronics package is at least partially embedded in the frame or theglazing stop.

Example 22 is a method of operating a photovoltaic window, the methodcomprising: generating electrical power from incident light onto thephotovoltaic window using a photovoltaic disposed in parallel with aninterior glass or an exterior glass of a glass unit of the photovoltaicwindow; sending the electrical power from the photovoltaic to anelectronics package of the photovoltaic window coupled with the glassunit; storing the electrical power at the electronics package;distributing the electrical power from the electronics package to atleast one electrical load of the photovoltaic window; and consuming theelectrical power at the at least one electrical load.

Example 23 is the method of example(s) 22, wherein the photovoltaicwindow does not receive external electrical power from a power sourcethat is external to the photovoltaic window.

Example 24 is the method of example(s) 22, wherein the photovoltaicwindow has an average visible transmittance (AVT) of at least 30%.

Example 25 is the method of example(s) 22, wherein the photovoltaicsubstantially covers a visible portion of the photovoltaic window.

Example 26 is the method of example(s) 22, wherein the at least oneelectrical load includes an exterior sensor module that includes one ormore sensors directed toward an exterior side of the photovoltaicwindow.

Example 27 is the method of example(s) 26, wherein the exterior sensormodule is mounted on either an exterior side of the exterior glass or aninterior side of the exterior glass.

Example 28 is the method of example(s) 22, wherein the at least oneelectrical load includes an interior sensor module that includes one ormore sensors directed toward an interior side of the photovoltaicwindow.

Example 29 is the method of example(s) 28, wherein the interior sensormodule is mounted on either an interior side of the interior glass or anexterior side of the interior glass.

Example 30 is the method of example(s) 22, wherein the at least oneelectrical load includes a wireless communication system that isconfigured to communicate with an external device.

Example 31 is the method of example(s) 22, wherein the at least oneelectrical load includes one or more window functions installed at thephotovoltaic window including at least one of: a window opening/closingmechanism, a window locking/unlocking mechanism, electric blinds, apolymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) film, an electrochromic device,or a light source.

Example 32 is the method of example(s) 22, wherein one or more of the atleast one electrical load is included in the electronics package.

Example 33 is the method of example(s) 22, wherein the electronicspackage is disposed along a peripheral edge of the glass unit.

Example 34 is the method of example(s) 22, wherein the electronicspackage is mounted to a peripheral edge of the glass unit.

Example 35 is the method of example(s) 22, wherein the electronicspackage is at least partially disposed between the interior glass andthe exterior glass.

Example 36 is the method of example(s) 22, wherein the glass unitincludes both the interior glass and the exterior glass, and wherein thephotovoltaic window further includes a spacer disposed between theinterior glass and the exterior glass.

Example 37 is the method of example(s) 36, wherein the electronicspackage is at least partially embedded in the spacer.

Example 38 is the method of example(s) 22, wherein the photovoltaicwindow further comprises a frame assembly that supports at least oneperipheral edge of the glass unit.

Example 39 is the method of example(s) 38, wherein the frame assemblyincludes a frame and a glazing stop.

Example 40 is the method of example(s) 39, wherein the electronicspackage is at least partially embedded in the frame or the glazing stop.

Example 41 is a home automation system comprising: a plurality ofphotovoltaic windows; and a hub device communicatively coupled to theplurality of photovoltaic windows, wherein each photovoltaic window ofthe plurality of photovoltaic windows comprises: a glass unit includingone or both of: an interior glass; or an exterior glass; a photovoltaicdisposed in parallel with the interior glass or the exterior glass ofthe glass unit, the photovoltaic configured to generate electrical powerfrom incident light onto the photovoltaic window; an electronics packagecoupled with the glass unit, the electronics package configured toreceive, store, and distribute the electrical power; and at least oneelectrical load configured to receive the electrical power from theelectronics package and consume the electrical power.

Example 42 is the home automation system of example(s) 41, wherein eachphotovoltaic window of the plurality of photovoltaic windows does notreceive external electrical power from a power source that is externalto the plurality of photovoltaic windows.

Example 43 is the home automation system of example(s) 41, wherein eachphotovoltaic window of the plurality of photovoltaic windows has anaverage visible transmittance (AVT) of at least 30%.

Example 44 is the home automation system of example(s) 41, wherein thephotovoltaic substantially covers a visible portion of the photovoltaicwindow.

Example 45 is a home automation system comprising: a hub device; and oneor more photovoltaic windows communicatively coupled to the hub device,wherein each photovoltaic window of the one or more photovoltaic windowsincludes: a photovoltaic configured to generate electrical power fromincident light onto the photovoltaic window; and a wirelesscommunication system configured to: receive the electrical power fromthe photovoltaic to enable wireless communication with the hub device,wherein the wireless communication system is solely powered by theelectrical power generated by the photovoltaic; and send a data signalto the hub device, wherein the data signal includes informationregarding the photovoltaic window.

Example 46 is the home automation system of example(s) 45, wherein eachphotovoltaic window of the one or more photovoltaic windows does notreceive external electrical power from a power source that is externalto the photovoltaic window.

Example 47 is the home automation system of example(s) 45, wherein eachphotovoltaic window of the one or more photovoltaic windows has anaverage visible transmittance (AVT) of at least 30%.

Example 48 is the home automation system of example(s) 45, wherein thephotovoltaic substantially covers a visible portion of the photovoltaicwindow.

Example 49 is the home automation system of example(s) 45, wherein eachphotovoltaic window of the one or more photovoltaic windows includes:one or more sensors configured to receive the electrical power from thephotovoltaic and to capture sensor data from one or both of an interiorenvironment or an exterior environment, wherein the data signal includesthe sensor data.

Example 50 is the home automation system of example(s) 45, wherein eachphotovoltaic window of the one or more photovoltaic windows includes:one or more window functions configured to receive the electrical powerfrom the photovoltaic and to perform one or more window actions.

Example 51 is the home automation system of example(s) 50, wherein theone or more window functions includes at least one of: a windowopening/closing mechanism; a window locking/unlocking mechanism;electric blinds; a polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) film; anelectrochromic device; or a light source.

Example 52 is the home automation system of example(s) 50, wherein thewireless communication system is further configured to: receive acontrol signal from the hub device; and perform the one or more windowactions in accordance with the control signal.

Example 53 is the home automation system of example(s) 45, furthercomprising: one or more home functions configured to: receive externalelectrical power from a power source that is external to the one or morephotovoltaic windows; receive a control signal from the hub device; andperform one or more home actions in accordance with the control signal.

Example 54 is the home automation system of example(s) 53, wherein theone or more home functions includes at least one of: room or exteriorlighting; a heating or cooling system; or a door lock.

Example 55 is a method of operating a home automation system, the methodcomprising: for each photovoltaic window of one or more photovoltaicwindows of the home automation system: generating electrical power fromincident light onto the photovoltaic window using a photovoltaic of thephotovoltaic window; sending the electrical power from the photovoltaicto a wireless communication system of the photovoltaic window to enablewireless communication with a hub device of the home automation system,wherein the wireless communication system is solely powered by theelectrical power generated by the photovoltaic; and sending a datasignal from the wireless communication system to the hub device, whereinthe data signal includes information regarding the photovoltaic window;and receiving the data signal at the hub device from each of the one ormore photovoltaic windows.

Example 56 is the method of example(s) 55, wherein each photovoltaicwindow of the one or more photovoltaic windows does not receive externalelectrical power from a power source that is external to thephotovoltaic window.

Example 57 is the method of example(s) 55, wherein each photovoltaicwindow of the one or more photovoltaic windows has an average visibletransmittance (AVT) of at least 30%.

Example 58 is the method of example(s) 55, wherein the photovoltaicsubstantially covers a visible portion of the photovoltaic window.

Example 59 is the method of example(s) 55, further comprising: for eachphotovoltaic window of one or more photovoltaic windows: sending theelectrical power from the photovoltaic to one or more sensors of thephotovoltaic window; and capturing sensor data at the one or moresensors from one or both of an interior environment or an exteriorenvironment, wherein the data signal includes the sensor data.

Example 60 is the method of example(s) 55, further comprising: for eachphotovoltaic window of one or more photovoltaic windows: sending theelectrical power from the photovoltaic to one or more window functionsof the photovoltaic window; and performing one or more window actions atthe one or more window functions.

Example 61 is the method of example(s) 60, wherein the one or morewindow functions includes at least one of: a window opening/closingmechanism, a window locking/unlocking mechanism, electric blinds, apolymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) film, an electrochromic device,or a light source.

Example 62 is the method of example(s) 60, further comprising: sending acontrol signal from the hub device to the wireless communication systemof a particular photovoltaic window of the one or more photovoltaicwindows; and performing the one or more window actions in accordancewith the control signal at the particular photovoltaic window.

Example 63 is the method of example(s) 55, further comprising:receiving, at one or more home functions of the home automation system,external electrical power from a power source that is external to theone or more photovoltaic windows; sending a control signal from the hubdevice to the one or more home functions; and performing the one or morehome actions at the one or more home functions in accordance with thecontrol signal.

Example 64 is the method of example(s) 63, wherein the one or more homefunctions includes at least one of: room or exterior lighting, a heatingor cooling system, or a door lock.

Example 65 is one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediacomprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors,cause the one or more processors to perform operations for operating ahome automation system, the operations comprising: for each photovoltaicwindow of one or more photovoltaic windows of the home automationsystem: causing electrical power to be generated from incident lightonto the photovoltaic window using a photovoltaic of the photovoltaicwindow; causing the electrical power to be sent from the photovoltaic toa wireless communication system of the photovoltaic window to enablewireless communication with a hub device of the home automation system,wherein the wireless communication system is solely powered by theelectrical power generated by the photovoltaic; and sending a datasignal from the wireless communication system to the hub device, whereinthe data signal includes information regarding the photovoltaic window;and receiving the data signal at the hub device from each of the one ormore photovoltaic windows.

Example 66 is the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media ofexample(s) 65, further comprising: for each photovoltaic window of oneor more photovoltaic windows: causing the electrical power to be sentfrom the photovoltaic to one or more sensors of the photovoltaic window;and capturing sensor data at the one or more sensors from one or both ofan interior environment or an exterior environment, wherein the datasignal includes the sensor data.

Example 67 is the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media ofexample(s) 65, further comprising: for each photovoltaic window of oneor more photovoltaic windows: causing the electrical power to be sentfrom the photovoltaic to one or more window functions of thephotovoltaic window; and performing one or more window actions at theone or more window functions.

Example 68 is the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media ofexample(s) 67, further comprising: sending a control signal from the hubdevice to the wireless communication system of a particular photovoltaicwindow of the one or more photovoltaic windows; and performing the oneor more window actions in accordance with the control signal at theparticular photovoltaic window.

Example 69 is the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media ofexample(s) 65, further comprising: sending a control signal from the hubdevice to one or more home functions of the home automation system; andperforming the one or more home actions at the one or more homefunctions in accordance with the control signal.

Example 70 is a user device comprising: a user interface; acommunication interface to communicate with one or more photovoltaicwindows; and a processing subsystem that is communicatively coupled tothe user interface and the communication interface, wherein theprocessing subsystem is configured to: generate a representation of aphotovoltaic window of the one or more photovoltaic windows; receive auser input via the user interface indicating a selection of therepresentation of the photovoltaic window; generate, in response toreceiving the user input, a control signal for modifying an operation ofthe photovoltaic window; and send, using the communication interface,the control signal to a wireless communication system of thephotovoltaic window, wherein the wireless communication system is solelypowered by electrical power generated by a photovoltaic of thephotovoltaic window from incident light onto the photovoltaic window.

Example 71 is the user device of example(s) 70, wherein the processingsubsystem is further configured to: execute an application program thatallows a user to operate the user interface to provide the user input.

Example 72 is the user device of example(s) 70, wherein the controlsignal is sent to the wireless communication system of the photovoltaicwindow via a hub device of a home automation system, the hub devicebeing communicatively coupled to the user device and the one or morephotovoltaic windows.

Example 73 is the user device of example(s) 70, wherein the processingsubsystem is further configured to: receive a data signal from thewireless communication system of the photovoltaic window, wherein thedata signal includes information regarding the photovoltaic window.

Example 74 is the user device of example(s) 73, wherein the informationregarding the photovoltaic window includes sensor data captured usingone or more sensors of the photovoltaic window, wherein the one or moresensors are solely powered by the electrical power generated by thephotovoltaic.

Example 75 is the user device of example(s) 70, further comprising: adisplay configured to display the representation of the photovoltaicwindow, wherein the representation of the photovoltaic window is agraphical representation.

Example 76 is the user device of example(s) 75, wherein the display isfurther configured to display a real-time exterior view of a home thatis formed by stitching together images or videos captured byexterior-facing cameras of the one or more photovoltaic windows.

Example 77 is the user device of example(s) 70, wherein the user inputindicates a selection of a window function from one or more windowfunctions installed at the photovoltaic window.

Example 78 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprisinginstructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a userdevice, cause the one or more processors to perform operationscomprising: generating a representation of a photovoltaic window;receiving a user input via a user interface of the user deviceindicating a selection of the representation of the photovoltaic window;generating, in response to receiving the user input, a control signalfor modifying an operation of the photovoltaic window; and sending,using a communication interface of the user device, the control signalto a wireless communication system of the photovoltaic window, whereinthe wireless communication system is solely powered by electrical powergenerated by a photovoltaic of the photovoltaic window from incidentlight onto the photovoltaic window.

Example 79 is the non-transitory computer-readable medium of example(s)78, wherein the operations further comprise: executing an applicationprogram that allows a user to operate the user interface to provide theuser input.

Example 80 is the non-transitory computer-readable medium of example(s)78, wherein the control signal is sent to the wireless communicationsystem of the photovoltaic window via a hub device of a home automationsystem, the hub device being communicatively coupled to the user deviceand the one or more photovoltaic windows.

Example 81 is the non-transitory computer-readable medium of example(s)78, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving a data signalfrom the wireless communication system of the photovoltaic window,wherein the data signal includes information regarding the photovoltaicwindow.

Example 82 is the non-transitory computer-readable medium of example(s)81, wherein the information regarding the photovoltaic window includessensor data captured using one or more sensors of the photovoltaicwindow, wherein the one or more sensors are solely powered by theelectrical power generated by the photovoltaic.

Example 83 is the non-transitory computer-readable medium of example(s)78, wherein the operations further comprise: displaying, at a display ofthe user device, the representation of the photovoltaic window, whereinthe representation of the photovoltaic window is a graphicalrepresentation.

Example 84 is the non-transitory computer-readable medium of example(s)78, wherein the user input indicates a selection of a window functionfrom one or more window functions installed at the photovoltaic window.

Example 85 is a computer-implemented method comprising: generating arepresentation of a photovoltaic window; receiving a user input via auser interface indicating a selection of the representation of thephotovoltaic window; generating, in response to receiving the userinput, a control signal for modifying an operation of the photovoltaicwindow; and sending, using a communication interface, the control signalto a wireless communication system of the photovoltaic window, whereinthe wireless communication system is solely powered by electrical powergenerated by a photovoltaic of the photovoltaic window from incidentlight onto the photovoltaic window.

Example 86 is the computer-implemented method of example(s) 85, furthercomprising: executing an application program that allows a user tooperate the user interface to provide the user input.

Example 87 is the computer-implemented method of example(s) 85, whereinthe control signal is sent to the wireless communication system of thephotovoltaic window via a hub device of a home automation system, thehub device being communicatively coupled the one or more photovoltaicwindows.

Example 88 is the computer-implemented method of example(s) 85, furthercomprising: receiving a data signal from the wireless communicationsystem of the photovoltaic window, wherein the data signal includesinformation regarding the photovoltaic window.

Example 89 is the computer-implemented method of example(s) 88, whereinthe information regarding the photovoltaic window includes sensor datacaptured using one or more sensors of the photovoltaic window, whereinthe one or more sensors are solely powered by the electrical powergenerated by the photovoltaic.

Example 90 is the computer-implemented method of example(s) 85, furthercomprising: displaying, at a display, the representation of thephotovoltaic window, wherein the representation of the photovoltaicwindow is a graphical representation.

Example 91 is the computer-implemented method of example(s) 85, whereinthe user input indicates a selection of a window function from one ormore window functions installed at the photovoltaic window.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure andtogether with the detailed description serve to explain the principlesof the disclosure. No attempt is made to show structural details of thedisclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamentalunderstanding of the disclosure and various ways in which it may bepracticed.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a smart home system having varioussmart windows.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an example smart home systemhaving photovoltaic windows.

FIG. 3A illustrates front and angled views of an exterior side of aphotovoltaic window having a frame and an IGU.

FIG. 3B illustrates front and angled views of an interior side ofphotovoltaic window having a frame and an IGU.

FIG. 3C illustrates zoomed-in views of portions of a photovoltaicwindow.

FIG. 4 illustrates a photovoltaic window having an IGU.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of photovoltaic window having anIGU integrated with an electronics package.

FIG. 5B illustrates a zoomed-in version of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C illustrates an exploded, perspective view of a photovoltaicwindow including an IGU and an electronics package.

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of an electronics package of aphotovoltaic window.

FIG. 6B illustrates an exploded, perspective view of an electronicspackage.

FIG. 6C illustrates a perspective view of an electronics package withall covers and casings removed.

FIG. 6D illustrates an exploded, perspective view of an electronicspackage with all covers and casings removed.

FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of an IGU and a window frame assembly inan unassembled state.

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of an IGU and a window frame assembly inan assembled state.

FIG. 8A illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window.

FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window.

FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window.

FIG. 8D illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window.

FIG. 8E illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window.

FIG. 8F illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window.

FIG. 8G illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window.

FIG. 8H illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window.

FIG. 9A illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window.

FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window.

FIG. 9C illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window.

FIG. 9D illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window.

FIG. 9E illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window.

FIG. 9F illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a user interface screen.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example of a user interface screen.

FIG. 11B illustrates an example of a user interface screen.

FIG. 11C illustrates an example of a user interface screen.

FIG. 11D illustrates an example of a user interface screen.

FIG. 11E illustrates an example of a user interface screen.

FIG. 11F illustrates an example of a user interface screen.

FIG. 11G illustrates an example of a user interface screen.

FIG. 11H illustrates an example of a user interface screen.

FIG. 12A illustrates an example mapping that may be implemented within ahome automation system.

FIG. 12B illustrates an example mapping that may be implemented within ahome automation system.

FIG. 12C illustrates an example mapping that may be implemented within ahome automation system.

FIG. 12D illustrates an example mapping that may be implemented within ahome automation system.

FIG. 12E illustrates an example mapping that may be implemented within ahome automation system.

FIG. 12F illustrates an example mapping that may be implemented within ahome automation system.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method of operating a photovoltaic window.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method of operating a home automation system.

FIG. 15 illustrates a method of controlling a photovoltaic window from auser device.

FIG. 16 illustrates various plots showing daily photovoltaic energygeneration.

FIG. 17 illustrates a table showing daily photovoltaic energygeneration.

FIG. 18 illustrates a plot showing the daily energy consumption forvarious devices.

FIG. 19 illustrates s a simplified block diagram of a user device.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example computer system comprising varioushardware elements.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have thesame numerical reference label. Further, various components of the sametype may be distinguished by following the reference label with a letteror by following the reference label with a dash followed by a secondnumerical reference label that distinguishes among the similarcomponents and/or features. If only the first numerical reference labelis used in the specification, the description is applicable to any oneof the similar components and/or features having the same firstnumerical reference label, irrespective of the suffix.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to methods and systems relatedto smart window systems. More particularly, embodiments of the presentinvention provide smart window devices, smart home systems that includesmart window devices, and user devices and applications for control ofsuch devices and systems. Some embodiments of smart windows may includethe integration of photovoltaics, power electronics, power storage,sensors, and/or a wireless communication system into an insulated glassunit (IGU) and/or a window frame assembly for installation in a home orbuilding. While many embodiments are described in reference to windowsfor use in a home, embodiments are widely applicable to any building orstructure in which a window or window-like apparatus may be installed,including various applications in residential, commercial, or industrialsettings.

As used herein, the terms “smart window”, “photovoltaic window”,“photovoltaic smart window”, “smart window device”, “smart windowsystem”, and “photovoltaic window system” may be used interchangeablyand may generally refer to an apparatus having a visible portion thatseparates an interior environment from an exterior environment andhaving one or more of the described components installed therein (e.g.,photovoltaics, power electronics, power storage, sensors, wirelesscommunication system, etc.), in accordance with the various embodimentsof the present invention.

As used herein, the terms “smart home system”, “smart system”, “homeautomation system”, and “automation system” may be used interchangeablyand may generally refer to a wirelessly connected system of a smartwindow and at least one other device being either another smart window,a smart home hub, or a user device, in accordance with the variousembodiments of the present invention. As such, the above terms may referto a system having at least two smart windows, a system having at leasta single smart window and a smart home hub, or a system having at leasta single smart window and a user device, among other possibilities.

As used herein, the terms “smart home hub”, “hub device”, and “homeautomation hub” may be used interchangeably and may generally refer to adevice (or base station) that exists within the smart home system thatis wirelessly connected to at least one smart window and that is capableof receiving data from the smart window and/or transferring data to thesmart window, in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention. As used herein, the terms “user device” and “control device”may be used interchangeably and may generally refer to a device thatexists within the smart home system that is wirelessly connected to atleast one smart window either directly or via the smart home hub, inaccordance with the various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a smart home system 100 having varioussmart windows 102, according to some embodiments. Alternatively, smarthome system 100 may be referred to as “home automation system 100” andsmart windows 102 may be referred to as “photovoltaic windows 102”. Inthe illustrated example, smart home system 100 is deployed in aresidential house with various rooms, doors, windows, and furniture.Within smart home system 100, smart windows 102 may be communicativelycoupled directly to each other or via a smart home hub 134, which in theillustrated example is a device situated on the kitchen countertop andreceiving electrical power through the home's electrical system. Furtherillustrated in FIG. 1 is a user 104 of smart home system 100 holding auser device 120, which in the illustrated example is a mobile phonehaving an application program (or “app”) installed thereon providingconnectivity to smart home system 100.

Each of smart windows 102 may be self-powered using photovoltaics 108that are integrated with the glass or visible area of the windows. Forexample, photovoltaics 108 may be integrated with the glass of one orboth of the upper and lower panes of a vertical sliding window.Photovoltaics 108 may include organic transparent photovoltaics,luminescent solar concentrators (LSC), or other solar technologieshaving transparent properties. In some instances, photovoltaics 108 mayinclude a number of visibly transparent photovoltaic devices that absorboptical energy at wavelengths outside the visible wavelength band of 450nm to 650 nm, for example, while substantially transmitting visiblelight inside the visible wavelength band. In such embodiments,photovoltaics 108 may be configured to absorb ultraviolet (UV) and/ornear-infrared (NIR) wavelengths in the layers and elements of thedevices while visible light is transmitted therethrough.

In some embodiments, photovoltaics 108 may be considered to be visiblytransparent, at least partially visibly transparent, substantiallyvisibly transparent, and the like. In some embodiments, photovoltaics108 may be considered to be visibly transparent when they arecharacterized by an average visible transmittance (AVT) of at least 30%.In various embodiments, photovoltaics 108 may be characterized by an AVTof at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%,at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or approximately100%.

Each of smart windows 102 may include various electrical loads that aresolely powered by photovoltaics 108, without receiving any power fromthe home's electrical system. For example, smart windows 102 may includevarious sensors 128 and window functions 122 that are powered by thesolar energy harvested by photovoltaics 108. In the illustrated example,sensors 128 include a camera facing the exterior side of the window,which may be used, in some embodiments, as part of the home's securitysystem to monitor and detect movement occurring on the exterior of thehome. Further in the illustrated example, window functions 122 includeelectric blinds that may open (e.g., retract up and/or rotate open) orclose (e.g., extend down and/or rotate close) is response to receiving acontrol signal to do so. Further in the illustrated example, windowfunctions 122 may include an electric mechanism for opening or closingthe window (e.g., a motorized track).

Smart home system 100 may include various home functions 124 that arepowered separately from smart window 102 using the home's electricalsystem or some other power source. In the illustrated example, homefunctions 124 include room lighting and exterior lighting that may beturned on or off (or dimmed) in response to receiving a control signalto do so. Further in the illustrated example, home functions 124 includean audio system that may be turned on or off, or may be controlled in amore specific manner (e.g., to play a particular song at a particularvolume, etc.).

User 104 may interact with smart home system 100 and smart windows 102in a number of ways. For example, user 104 may use an applicationprogram running on user device 120 to connect to smart home system 100to display information about smart windows 102 and/or to transmitcontrol data to modify an operation of smart windows 102. Alternativelyor additionally, user 104 may use smart home hub 134 to interact withsmart windows 102. For example, in the illustrated example, user 104provides the audible command “Close the windows if it starts to rain”.This command may be received by a microphone installed on either userdevice 120 or smart home hub 134. Upon receiving this command, smarthome system 100 may create a conditional mapping between data detectedby sensors 128 and a window action to be performed by window functions122 such that smart windows 102 may be caused to close in response todetermining by sensors 128 that it is raining on the exterior side ofsmart windows 102 (e.g., using a camera, moisture sensor, etc.).

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an example smart home system 200,according to some embodiments. Smart home system 200 may include one ormore (e.g., N) photovoltaic windows 202, which may each be separate,self-contained units capable of being self-powered. In the illustratedexample, photovoltaic window 202-1 includes photovoltaics 208, powerelectronics 210, a power storage 212 (e.g., a battery), and one or moreelectrical loads 236 (including a wireless communication system 216,sensors 228, window functions 222, and a power outlet 226). Photovoltaicwindows 202-2 to 202-N may include similar components. Smart home system200 may further include a smart home hub 234, home functions 224, and auser device 220. The components of smart home system 200 may beinterconnected via various power and/or data signals as shown in FIG. 2, with solid lines denoting power signals and dashed lines denotingdata-carrying signals, which may include data signals 292, controlsignals 294, and the like.

In various embodiments, components of smart home system 200 may be moreor less integrated than that shown in FIG. 2 . For example, in someimplementations, power electronics 210, power storage 212, and wirelesscommunication system 216 may be packaged together on a single ormultiple circuit boards on what is referred to herein as an electronicspackage 240. As another example, in some implementations, sensors 228may include two separate modules, including an exterior sensor modulepositioned at and/or oriented toward an exterior side of the window andan interior sensor module positioned at and/or oriented toward aninterior side of the window.

In some embodiments, photovoltaics 208 may generate and send electricalpower to power electronics 210, which can control and regulate themanner, including the voltage and/or current, in which the electricalpower is fed into power storage 212. Typically, power storage 212 (whichmay alternatively be referred to as “energy storage 212”) may includeone or more batteries and electronics for power conditioning. In someinstances, power electronics 210 is able to maximize the power deliveredfrom photovoltaics 208 to power storage 212 by matching the voltage ofphotovoltaics 208 to that of power storage 212.

In some embodiments, power electronics 210 conditions the variableoutput of photovoltaics 208 (variable voltage and current, depending onthe lighting) and controls the output to a desired voltage/currentacceptable for charging the batteries or powering the various sensors.This may be accomplished using an appropriate combination of buckconverters, boost converters, and/or buck/boost converters, along withvarious active and/or passive circuit components, such as resistors,capacitors, inductors, transistors, transformers, and diodes, amongother possibilities. In some instances, power electronics 210 may employmaximum power point tracking (MPPT) which may include adjusting the loadto operate close to the maximum power point on the current-voltage curveof photovoltaics 208, which changes based on lighting condition. Otherfunctions of power electronics 210 include, but are not limited to:managing battery charging/battery draw, conditioning input/output frombatteries according to battery specs and safety requirements, andimplementing a microcontroller integrated circuit (IC) to runalgorithms, such as the MPPT.

The power held by power storage 212 can be used to power each ofelectrical loads 236. Although FIG. 2 illustrates smart home system 200as driving all of the powered elements using power from power storage212, this is not required by the present invention and a combination ofpower provided directly from photovoltaics 208, directly from powerelectronics 210, and/or power provided directly from power storage 212can be utilized to power the various system components. In typicaloperation, power generated by photovoltaics 208 will be characterized bylow current level over an extended period of time while power drawn bydevices will be characterized by high current levels for short periodsof time. Thus, in some embodiments, power storage 212 may be continuallytopped off by power delivered through power electronics 210 and may bedrained by one or more of electrical loads 236 to meet the powerrequirements of the various devices.

Each of photovoltaic windows 202 may include a wireless communicationsystem 216 that serves as the wireless interface for communicatingbetween the electronics at photovoltaic windows 202 and externalcomponents, such as smart home hub 234, user device 220, and homefunctions 224. While FIG. 2 shows wireless communication system 216 ascommunicating with user device 220 indirectly via smart home hub 234, insome embodiments direct wireless communication between wirelesscommunication system 216 and user device 220 may be enabled. Each ofwireless communication system 216, smart home hub 234, user device 220,and home functions 224 may comply with one or more wireless standards,including IEEE 802.11 standards, Bluetooth standards, Zigbee standards,3G, 4G/LTE, WiFi, and the like.

Each of photovoltaic windows 202 may also include one or more sensors228 for capturing various types of sensor data. Without limitation,sensors 228 may include an interior- and/or exterior-facing camera, aninterior- and/or exterior-facing light sensor, an interior- and/orexterior-facing motion sensor, an interior and/or exterior temperaturesensor, an interior and/or exterior humidity sensor, an interior and/orexterior accelerometer, an interior and/or exterior contact sensor, aninterior and/or exterior audio sensor, an interior and/or exteriormoisture sensor, an interior and/or exterior air quality sensor, aninterior and/or exterior smoke sensor, a leak sensor for detecting argonor krypton gas leaking from within the IGU, a parts per million (PPM)gas sensor, and the like.

Each of photovoltaic windows 202 may also include one or more windowfunctions 222, which may be devices configured to consume the electricalpower generated at the smart window to perform a particular action atthe window (or “window action”). Without limitation, window functions222 may include a window opening/closing mechanism, a windowlocking/unlocking mechanism, electric blinds, an electrochromic deviceintegrated with the window glass, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystals(PDLC) film, a speaker, a microphone, lighting such as LED strip or edgelighting, a transparent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displayintegrated with the window glass, and the like.

As an example operation of photovoltaic window 202 utilizing windowfunctions 222 in conjunction with sensors 228, a light sensor integratedinto and powered by photovoltaic window 202 could detect that light overa brightness threshold is passing through the smart window. In order todecrease the light passing through photovoltaic window 202, which couldpotentially heat up the room in which photovoltaic window 202 isinstalled, and the home as a result in residential applications, thewindow shades could be lowered to reduce the light passing through thesmart window system and reduce the cooling costs of the home.

Each of photovoltaic windows 202 may also include one or more poweroutlets 226 for transferring electrical power. For example, power outlet226 may serve as a port for providing power (e.g., charging) to variousdevices from power storage 212 or power electronics 210. In someembodiments, power outlet 226 may include a USB receptacle that providesUSB charging functionality to various devices. In some embodiments,power outlet 226 can be used to charge the batteries of power storage212 by connecting an external power source to power outlet 226, therebycausing photovoltaic window 202 to receive electrical power from anexternal source. In one example, on cloudy days with little sunlight, anexternal power source (e.g., a portable charger such as a USB powerbank) can be connected to power outlet 226 to charge the batteriescontained in power storage 212.

In addition to power used to power local sensors 228 and otherelectrical loads 236, a dedicated power outlet 226 in one of manydifferent form factors can be provided to power window functions 222 orother components installed onto photovoltaic window 202. As an example,a USB outlet can be provided that can provide power to operate windowshades that are mounted on photovoltaic window 202.

Data from sensors 228 as well as photovoltaics 208, power electronics210, and power storage 212 can be used to implement control of thevarious features and functions described herein. For example, such datamay be provided to a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown) ofphotovoltaic window 202 to be processed to provide control, for example,in conjunction with wireless communication system 216, for the devicesimplementing the various features and functions described herein. Insome embodiments, such data may be sent to smart home hub 234 and/oruser device 220 (via wireless communication system 216) in a data signal292. These devices may receive data signal 292 and may generate controlsignals 294 to implement the various features and functions describedherein.

The above-referenced data that may be included in data signal 292 mayinclude data captured by sensors 228, which may be referred to as“sensor data”, as well as data provided by photovoltaics 208, powerelectronics 210, and/or power storage 212, which may be referred to as“power data”, which can include data on the state of photovoltaics 208,including current levels, voltage levels, and the like. The power datacan then be used to track energy output as a function of time that canbe used by various system components. The power data and the sensor datamay be analyzed by the onboard processor of photovoltaic window 202, bysmart home hub 234, and/or by user device 220. In some instances, smarthome hub 234 may receive, through data signal 292, the power data fromthe batteries of power storage 212 themselves. Such data may indicate astate of charge of the batteries, a charging status of the batteries, ora current output of photovoltaics 208, among other possibilities.

The data received by smart home hub 234 and/or user device 220 can beused to control one or more home functions 224, which may be devicesconfigured to perform particular actions within the home (or “homeactions”). Without limitation, home functions 224 may include roomlighting, exterior lighting, home heating system, home cooling system,home appliances, door locks, audio systems, and the like. Correspondinghome actions may include, for example, turning on, off, or dimming theroom or exterior lighting, turning on or off the home heating or coolingsystem, locking or unlocking a door, turning on, off, or controlling theaudio system in a more specific manner, and the like.

As an example operation of smart home system 200 utilizing homefunctions 224 in conjunction with sensors 228, on warm summer days, asthe light intensity measured at the smart window system increases or atemperature measured at the smart window system increases (as measuredby photovoltaics 208 and/or sensors 228 and communicated to smart homehub 234 via wireless communication system 216), the home cooling systemcould be turned on in anticipation of increased cooling demand beforethe temperature in the home begins to increase. Alternatively, if cloudsbegin to decrease the light intensity or temperature measured at thesmart window system, the home cooling system can be turned off inresponse to this decrease in measured light intensity or temperature,providing additional inputs to the home cooling system that will enablefiner control of the home cooling system and resulting reductions inenergy consumption. Similar functionality can be provided in relation toa home heating system.

Embodiments of the present invention are particularly applicable toresidential window applications, although commercial applications arealso included within the scope of the present invention. As describedherein, power that is generated by the smart window can be utilized bythe smart window and by components, for example, window shades, that aremounted on or in proximity of the smart window. Thus, in addition togenerating power that can be fed into the power grid and utilized tooffset energy consumption in the building that includes smart homesystem 200, the smart window itself can utilize generated power to powerfeatures that are not available in conventional windows. The featuresthat can be provided by embodiments of the present invention span a widevariety of functions, including electrochromic control to modify thetint state of the IGU, surveillance functions enabled by cameras,temperature control functions enabled by temperature sensors, windowshade control functions enabled by light sensors, and the like. Thus,smart home systems described herein enable internet-of-things (TOT)functionality without the need to provide power to one or more of theTOT devices.

As described herein, smart window systems are provided that include anumber of self-powered features, both interior and exterior, including,but not limited to camera function, motion sensor function, light sensorfunction, temperature sensor function, humidity sensor function, contactfunction, for example, intrusion detection using an accelerometer thatcan alert a user to people or items making contact with the smart windowsystem, communication and indication functions, for example, LEDindicators to provide information to a user on the status of varioussystem elements, and the like. Embodiments of the present inventionprovide functions and features that are not found in conventionalwindows, because conventional windows do not include a power source thatcan be used to power devices providing these functions and features. Asa result, embodiments of the present invention provide features andfunctions that can be integrated into a smart window system while alsobeing powered by power generated by the smart window system.

In contrast with a conventional window that would require an externalpower source to provide these features, embodiments of the presentinvention, but using power generated by photovoltaics 208 disposed inthe IGU, do not need any external wiring, which can result in lack ofmechanical integrity, breaking of atmospheric seals, and the like if anattempt to integrate such external wiring into an IGU was attempted. Theintegration of a power source and sensors 228 inside the IGU enablesfunctionality not available using conventional systems. As an example,in addition to intrusion detection, an accelerometer can be used todetect interaction between a user and the window, including the litesand the frame. Tapping on the lite in accordance with a predeterminedpattern could be used to generate sensor data that sends a notification,causes a window action to be performed by a window function 222 (e.g.,open a window), or causes a home action to be performed by a homefunction 224 (e.g., open a lock), and the like.

FIG. 3A illustrates front (left) and angled (right) views of an exteriorside of a photovoltaic window 302 having a frame 354 and an IGU 352,according to some embodiments. In the illustrated examples, photovoltaicwindow 302 is a vertical sliding window. Photovoltaic window 302includes an exterior sensor module 360 that is shown coupled to IGU 352.

FIG. 3B illustrates front (left) and angled (right) views of an interiorside of photovoltaic window 302 having frame 354 and IGU 352, accordingto some embodiments. Photovoltaic window 302 includes an interior sensormodule 362 that is shown coupled to IGU 352, as well as a power outlet326, which is a USB-C outlet in the illustrated examples.

FIG. 3C illustrates zoomed-in views of portions of photovoltaic window302, according to some embodiments. In FIG. 3C, a zoomed-in version ofelements shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is provided that shows the individualsensors of exterior sensor module 360 and interior sensor module 362,which collectively form sensors 328 of photovoltaic window 302. Each ofthese sensor modules includes an accelerometer 364, a temperature sensor366, a humidity sensor 368, a camera 370, and a light sensor 372. Thesesensors are merely exemplary and other sensors and combinations ofsensors can be utilized within the scope of the present invention. Asdescribed herein, embodiments of the present invention utilize powergenerated by photovoltaics 208, either directly or via power storage 212to power various sensors and other electrical loads.

FIG. 4 illustrates a photovoltaic window 402 having an IGU 452,according to some embodiments. FIG. 4 further illustrates (via insets)certain components of photovoltaic window 402 shown separated from IGU452. In the illustrated example, photovoltaic window 402 includes anelectronics package 440 that includes a power outlet 426, power storage412 (comprising a bank of batteries), power electronics 410, exteriorsensor module 460, interior sensor module 462, wireless communicationsystem 416, and photovoltaic input 474. Photovoltaic input 474 receivespower generated by the photovoltaic coatings present on the lites.Additional description related to organic photovoltaic coatings isprovided in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 2019/0036480,the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety for all purposes.

In the various embodiments described herein, the term “electronicspackage” may refer to the group of electrical components contained inthe electronics package (e.g., the circuit board and components attachedthereto) as well as the casing, packaging, coverings, and/or box inwhich the group of electrical components are contained. In someimplementations, the electronics package can include a box with a coverthat provide insulation and waterproofing for the electrical components.The cover may further provide access to the electrical components formaintenance and/or replacement of the electrical components.

Electronics package 440 can be implemented on a printed circuit board(PCB) that is mounted in the photovoltaic window, as described morefully in relation to FIGS. 8A-9F. In contrast with conventional windows,embodiments of the present invention integrate power and electronicdevices, for example, electronics package 440, inside IGU 452 to providea self-contained photovoltaic window system that provides bothelectronic and optical functionality. By integrating the electronicsinto the IGU, embodiments of the present invention can be utilized witha wide variety of framing systems, typically requiring no modificationof the framing system. As a result, the IGU with electronics can be usedas a drop-in replacement for conventional IGUs in standard windowframes. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provideaugmented IGUs that can include batteries, circuits, sensors, antennas,and the like that can be mounted in standard window frames to form thephotovoltaic window system. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 ,electronics package 440 is mounted in the upper portion of IGU 452 andis sealed via a cover 476 to provide a controlled environment.

In order to provide for integration with IGU 452, the form factor ofelectronics package 440 may correspond to the shape of the upper portionof IGU 452, in this case, a width on the order of 10 mm and a length onthe order of 50 cm. In various implementations, electronics package 440may have a wide variety of sizes and form factors. For example,electronics package 440 (or the casing, packaging, or box in which theelectronics package is contained) may have a width similar to the widthof the IGU's spacer, i.e., between 0.25 to 0.5 inches. In someimplementations, electronics package 440 may have a width similar to thewidth of the entire IGU, i.e., between 0.5 to 1.0 inches. The length ofelectronics package 440 may be based on the length of the IGU, which mayvary from window to window (e.g., 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, etc.).

In some embodiments, each of exterior sensor module 460 and interiorsensor module 462 includes a connector 478 (for transferring power anddata to/from other components of electronics package 440), a light 480,a camera 470, a humidity sensor 468, a temperature sensor 466, anaccelerometer 464, and LEDs 482. Although exterior sensor module 460 andinterior sensor module 462 share common elements in this embodiment,this is not required by the present invention and exterior sensor module460 and interior sensor module 462 can include different elements,sensors, and the like. Accordingly, a camera may be included on theexterior sensor module, but not on the interior sensor module, whereas atemperature sensor may be included in both the exterior sensor moduleand the interior sensor module. In some embodiments, exterior sensormodule 460 and interior sensor module 462 may be bonded to an exteriorside and an interior side of the glass of IGU 452, respectively. Ribboncables or other suitable connectors can be utilized to connect exteriorsensor module 460 and interior sensor module 462 to other elements ofelectronics package 440.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of photovoltaic window 502 havingan IGU 552 integrated with an electronics package 540, according to someembodiments. Photovoltaic window 502 further includes an interior sensormodule 562 positioned on the interior side of IGU 552 and an exteriorsensor module (barely visible through glass of IGU 552 in FIG. 5A)positioned on the exterior side of IGU 552. In the illustrated example,interior sensor module 562 includes a camera 570 for monitoring theinterior of a home or building.

FIG. 5B illustrates a zoomed-in version of FIG. 5A showing photovoltaicwindow 502, IGU 552, and electronics package 540, according to someembodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, interior sensor module 562mounts on the interior side of the interior glass of IGU 552 and iselectrically connected to the electronics package via an electroniccable that extends upward toward electronic package 540. Electronicspackage 540 is shaped to seamlessly integrate with the top portion ofIGU 552, allowing embodiments of the present invention to be used withexisting IGUs. In the illustrated example, photovoltaic window 502further includes a power outlet 526 positioned on the interior side ofelectronics package 540 to provide transfer of the power generated atphotovoltaic window 502 to one or more window functions, home functions,or to any remote electrical device (e.g., a user's smart phone).

FIG. 5C illustrates an exploded, perspective view of photovoltaic window502 including IGU 552 and electronics package 540, according to someembodiments. Components of IGU 552 are more clearly shown in FIG. 5C,and include an interior glass 584, an exterior glass 586, and a seal 544positioned between interior glass 584 and exterior glass 586. Whenphotovoltaic window 502 is assembled, an exterior sensor module 560 ismounted on an exterior side of exterior glass 586 and interior sensormodule 562 is mounted to an interior side of interior glass 584. Alsoshown in FIG. 5C are electrical leads 588 connecting the photovoltaicsof photovoltaic window 502 to electronics package 540. Electrical leads588 may be positioned such that they can be connected to a photovoltaicinput positioned on the bottom side of electronics package 540 whenelectronics package 540 is mounted in the top side of IGU 552. In thisexample, electronics package 540 includes a portion disposed between thelites and a portion above the lites to provide access to the USB powerport of power outlet 526.

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of an electronics package 640 ofa photovoltaic window, according to some embodiments. Electronicspackage 640 illustrated in FIG. 6A may be similar to electronicspackages described previously in reference to FIGS. 4-5C. For example,electronics package 640 includes an interior sensor module 662, anexterior sensor module 660, and a power outlet 626.

FIG. 6B illustrates an exploded, perspective view of electronics package640, according to some embodiments. Specifically, a cover 676 is removedfrom the top side of electronics package 640 as well as covers forinterior sensor module 662 and exterior sensor module 660. Visible inFIG. 6B are a power storage 612 (comprising a bank of batteries),wireless communication system 616, among other components.

FIG. 6C illustrates a perspective view of electronics package 640 withall covers and casings removed, according to some embodiments. Furthervisible in FIG. 6C are power electronics 610, as well as various dataprocessing and storage elements placed throughout electronics package640.

FIG. 6D illustrates an exploded, perspective view of electronics package640 with all covers and casings removed, according to some embodiments.FIG. 6D shows how certain components of electronics package 640, such asinterior sensor module 662, exterior sensor module 660, and wirelesscommunication system 616, can be fabricated on a separate circuit boardform other components, such as power electronics 610 and power storage612. Such separation can simplify the manufacturing process by allowingcomponents that are more user-customizable (e.g., sensor modules) to befabricated separately from components that are fairly standard acrossproducts (e.g., power electronics and storage). In some embodiments, thelower board in FIG. 6D may be referred to as the “power electronicsboard” and the upper board may be referred to as the “smart board”.

FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of an IGU 752 and a window frameassembly 750 in an unassembled state, according to some embodiments. IGU752 includes a seal 744, a spacer 746, a photovoltaic 708, an interiorglass 784, and an interior glass 784. In the illustrated example,photovoltaic 708 is coupled to exterior glass 786, and each of seal 744and spacer 746 are positioned between and coupled to exterior glass 786and interior glass 784. Window frame assembly 750 includes a windowframe 754 and a glazing stop 756 (alternatively referred to as a “framestop”).

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of IGU 752 and window frame assembly 750in an assembled state, according to some embodiments. After IGU 752 isinserted into the window frame 754, glazing stop 756 is used to secureIGU 752 in place.

FIG. 8A illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window 802A thatincludes (1) an IGU 852 integrated with components of a photovoltaicwindow system and (2) a window frame assembly 850 in an assembled state,according to some embodiments. IGU 852 includes a seal 844, a spacer846, an interior glass 884, and an exterior glass 886. Window frameassembly 850 includes a window frame 854 and a glazing stop 856. Thephotovoltaic window system includes an electronics package 840 and aphotovoltaic 808. In the illustrated example, electronics package 840 isdisposed above IGU 852 such that electronics package 840 is disposedabove each of seal 844, interior glass 884, and exterior glass 886.Electronics package 840 can be considered to be an appendage of IGU 852and can have a similar width as IGU 852. One advantage of photovoltaicwindow 802A is that electronics package 840 can be easily accessed byremoving glazing stop 856. In some instances (such as in the illustratedexample), spacer 846 and a portion of seal 844 may be partially visiblein the vision area (the visible portion) of photovoltaic window 802A. Inother examples, window frame 854 may be configured to extend furtherdownward vertically so as to cover spacer 846 and/or seal 844.

FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window 802A thatincludes (1) IGU 852 integrated with components of a photovoltaic windowsystem and (2) window frame assembly 850 in an assembled state,according to some embodiments. IGU 852 includes seal 844, spacer 846,interior glass 884, and exterior glass 886. Window frame assembly 850includes window frame 854 and glazing stop 856. The photovoltaic windowsystem includes electronics package 840 and photovoltaic 808. In theillustrated example, electronics package 840 is disposed within IGU 852at a position between interior glass 884 and exterior glass 886 andadjacent to seal 844, which can be reduced in thickness in comparison toconventional seals. During manufacturing, seal 844 can be thinner on oneedge in order to receive electronics package 840 while being thicker(e.g., a standard thickness) on the other edges. Thus, this design iseasily integrated into standard manufacturing processes. Electronicspackage 840 can be considered to be a top load of IGU 852 and can have asimilar width as seal 844 and/or spacer 846. In some instances (such asin the illustrated example), a portion of spacer 846 may be partiallyvisible in the vision area (the visible portion) of photovoltaic window802B, while in other embodiments window frame 854 may extend furtherdownward vertically.

FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window 802C thatincludes (1) IGU 852 integrated with components of a photovoltaic windowsystem and (2) window frame assembly 850 in an assembled state,according to some embodiments. IGU 852 includes seal 844, spacer 846,interior glass 884, and exterior glass 886. Window frame assembly 850includes window frame 854 and glazing stop 856. The photovoltaic windowsystem includes electronics package 840 and photovoltaic 808. In theillustrated example, electronics package 840 is disposed partially aboveIGU 852 and partially within IGU 852. The portion of electronics package840 that is disposed above IGU 852 is disposed above each of seal 844,interior glass 884, and exterior glass 886 while the portion ofelectronics package 840 that is disposed within IGU 852 is disposed at aposition between interior glass 884 and exterior glass 886 and adjacentto seal 844. In some instances (such as in the illustrated example), aportion of spacer 846 may be partially visible in the vision area (thevisible portion) of photovoltaic window 802C, while in other embodimentswindow frame 854 may extend further downward vertically.

FIG. 8D illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window 802D thatincludes (1) IGU 852 integrated with components of a photovoltaic windowsystem and (2) window frame assembly 850 in an assembled state,according to some embodiments. IGU 852 includes seal 844, spacer 846,interior glass 884, and exterior glass 886. Window frame assembly 850includes window frame 854 and glazing stop 856. The photovoltaic windowsystem includes electronics package 840 and photovoltaic 808. In theillustrated example, electronics package 840 is disposed asymmetricallyabove a portion of IGU 852 at a position that is above exterior glass886 and seal 844 but not interior glass 884. Thus, the area of theexterior glass 886 is larger than the area of interior glass 884,resulting in a cavity on the interior side of the IGU. This designprovides for a larger seal on the exterior side of the frame. Removal ofglazing stop 856 enables access to electronics package 840 withoutremoving the IGU from the frame. This can be useful if batteries need tobe replaced, electronics need to be serviced, or the like during thelife of the photovoltaic window system. In some instances (such as inthe illustrated example), spacer 846 and a portion of seal 844 may bepartially visible in the vision area (the visible portion) ofphotovoltaic window 802D, while in other embodiments window frame 854may extend further downward vertically.

FIG. 8E illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window 802E thatincludes (1) IGU 852 integrated with components of a photovoltaic windowsystem and (2) window frame assembly 850 in an assembled state,according to some embodiments. IGU 852 includes seal 844, spacer 846,interior glass 884, and exterior glass 886. Window frame assembly 850includes window frame 854 and glazing stop 856. The photovoltaic windowsystem includes electronics package 840 and photovoltaic 808. In theillustrated example, electronics package 840 is disposed within IGU 852at a position between interior glass 884 and exterior glass 886 andbetween seal 844 and spacer 846. Electronics package 840 can have asimilar width as seal 844 and/or spacer 846. In some instances (such asin the illustrated example), spacer 846 and a portion of electronicspackage 840 may be partially visible in the vision area (the visibleportion) of photovoltaic window 802E, while in other embodiments windowframe 854 may extend further downward vertically.

FIG. 8F illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window 802F thatincludes (1) IGU 852 integrated with components of a photovoltaic windowsystem and (2) window frame assembly 850 in an assembled state,according to some embodiments. IGU 852 includes seal 844, spacer 846,interior glass 884, and exterior glass 886. Window frame assembly 850includes window frame 854 and glazing stop 856. The photovoltaic windowsystem includes electronics package 840 and photovoltaic 808. In theillustrated example, electronics package 840 is disposed within IGU 852at a position that is within and/or internal to spacer 846 (e.g.,embedded in spacer 846). In some instances (such as in the illustratedexample), none of seal 844, spacer 846, and electronics package 840 maybe partially visible in the vision area (the visible portion) ofphotovoltaic window 802F, while in other embodiments window frame 854may extend further upward vertically.

FIG. 8G illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window 802G thatincludes (1) IGU 852 and (2) window frame assembly 850 integrated withcomponents of a photovoltaic window system and in an assembled state,according to some embodiments. IGU 852 includes seal 844, spacer 846,interior glass 884, and exterior glass 886. Window frame assembly 850includes window frame 854 and glazing stop 856. The photovoltaic windowsystem includes electronics package 840 and photovoltaic 808. In theillustrated example, electronics package 840 is disposed within windowframe 854 at a position that is within and/or internal to window frame854 (e.g., embedded in window frame 854). In some instances, none ofseal 844, spacer 846, and electronics package 840 may be visible in thevision area (the visible portion) of photovoltaic window 802G, while inother embodiments window frame 854 may extend further upward vertically.In some embodiments, window frame 854 may include a removable portion(e.g., on the interior side of window frame 854) that provides an accesspoint for electronics package 840.

FIG. 8H illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window 802H thatincludes (1) IGU 852 and (2) window frame assembly 850 integrated withcomponents of a photovoltaic window system and in an assembled state,according to some embodiments. IGU 852 includes seal 844, spacer 846,interior glass 884, and exterior glass 886. Window frame assembly 850includes window frame 854 and glazing stop 856. The photovoltaic windowsystem includes electronics package 840 and photovoltaic 808. In theillustrated example, electronics package 840 is disposed within glazingstop 856 at a position that is within and/or internal to glazing stop856 (e.g., embedded in glazing stop 856). In some instances, none ofseal 844, spacer 846, and electronics package 840 may be visible in thevision area (the visible portion) of photovoltaic window 802H, while inother embodiments window frame 854 may extend further downwardvertically. In some embodiments, glazing stop 856 may include aremovable portion (e.g., on the interior side of glazing stop 856) thatprovides an access point for electronics package 840.

Many variations and modifications to the examples described in FIGS.8A-8H exist and are considered to be within the scope of the presentdisclosure. For example, the electronics package cross section can bepositioned linearly along one of the window or spacer edges. As anotherexample, the electronics package cross section can be positioned in acorner of the IGU occupying two edges (either as triangle or rectangle).As yet another example, for embodiments in which the electronics packageoccupies the spacer volume, such as that shown in FIG. 8F, theelectronics package can take the form of either being within the spaceritself or within a connector that joins the spacer together. While notexplicitly shown in FIGS. 8A-8H, it is to be understood that electricalwires may traverse between different components of photovoltaic windows802, such as between photovoltaics 808 and electronics packages 840.

FIG. 9A illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window 902A thatincludes (1) an IGU 952 integrated with components of a photovoltaicwindow system and (2) a window frame assembly 950 in an assembled state,according to some embodiments. IGU 952 includes a seal 944, a spacer946, an interior glass 984, and an exterior glass 986. Window frameassembly 950 includes a window frame 954 and a glazing stop 956. Thephotovoltaic window system includes an electronics package 940 and aphotovoltaic 908. Photovoltaic window 902A is similar to photovoltaicwindow 802A and additionally shows a possible positioning of an exteriorsensor module 960 and an interior sensor module 962. In the illustratedexample, exterior sensor module 960 is mounted to an outer surface ofexterior glass 986 and interior sensor module 962 is mounted to an outersurface of interior glass 984. Neither exterior sensor module 960 norinterior sensor module 962 further obscure the visible region ofphotovoltaic window 902A.

FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window 902B thatincludes (1) IGU 952 integrated with components of a photovoltaic windowsystem and (2) window frame assembly 950 in an assembled state,according to some embodiments. IGU 952 includes seal 944, spacer 946,interior glass 984, and exterior glass 986. Window frame assembly 950includes window frame 954 and glazing stop 956. The photovoltaic windowsystem includes electronics package 940 and photovoltaic 908.Photovoltaic window 902B is similar to photovoltaic window 802B andadditionally shows a possible positioning of an exterior sensor module960 and an interior sensor module 962. In the illustrated example,exterior sensor module 960 is mounted to an outer surface of exteriorglass 986 and interior sensor module 962 is mounted to an outer surfaceof interior glass 984.

FIG. 9C illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window 902C thatincludes (1) IGU 952 integrated with components of a photovoltaic windowsystem and (2) window frame assembly 950 in an assembled state,according to some embodiments. IGU 952 includes seal 944, spacer 946,interior glass 984, and exterior glass 986. Window frame assembly 950includes window frame 954 and glazing stop 956. The photovoltaic windowsystem includes electronics package 940 and photovoltaic 908.Photovoltaic window 902C is similar to photovoltaic window 802C andadditionally shows a possible positioning of an exterior sensor module960 and an interior sensor module 962. In the illustrated example,exterior sensor module 960 is mounted to an outer surface of exteriorglass 986 and interior sensor module 962 is mounted to an outer surfaceof interior glass 984.

FIG. 9D illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window 902D thatincludes (1) IGU 952 integrated with components of a photovoltaic windowsystem and (2) window frame assembly 950 in an assembled state,according to some embodiments. IGU 952 includes seal 944, spacer 946,interior glass 984, and exterior glass 986. Window frame assembly 950includes window frame 954 and glazing stop 956. The photovoltaic windowsystem includes electronics package 940 and photovoltaic 908.Photovoltaic window 902D is similar to photovoltaic window 802D andadditionally shows a possible positioning of an exterior sensor module960. In the illustrated example, exterior sensor module 960 is mountedto an inner surface of exterior glass 986. Exterior sensor module 960may be positioned so as to not further obscure the visible region ofphotovoltaic window 902D. An interior sensor module can be utilized aswell.

FIG. 9E illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window 902E thatincludes (1) IGU 952 integrated with components of a photovoltaic windowsystem and (2) window frame assembly 950 in an assembled state,according to some embodiments. IGU 952 includes seal 944, spacer 946,interior glass 984, and exterior glass 986. Window frame assembly 950includes window frame 954 and glazing stop 956. The photovoltaic windowsystem includes electronics package 940 and photovoltaic 908.Photovoltaic window 902E is similar to photovoltaic window 802E andadditionally shows a possible positioning of an exterior sensor module960 and an interior sensor module 962. In the illustrated example,exterior sensor module 960 is mounted to an inner surface of exteriorglass 986 and interior sensor module 962 is mounted to an inner surfaceof interior glass 984. Neither exterior sensor module 960 nor interiorsensor module 962 further obscure the visible region of photovoltaicwindow 902E.

FIG. 9F illustrates a side view of a photovoltaic window 902F thatincludes (1) IGU 952 integrated with components of a photovoltaic windowsystem and (2) window frame assembly 950 in an assembled state,according to some embodiments. IGU 952 includes seal 944, spacer 946,interior glass 984, and exterior glass 986. Window frame assembly 950includes window frame 954 and glazing stop 956. The photovoltaic windowsystem includes electronics package 940 and photovoltaic 908.Photovoltaic window 902F is similar to photovoltaic window 802F andadditionally shows a possible positioning of an exterior sensor module960 and an interior sensor module 962. In the illustrated example,exterior sensor module 960 is mounted to an inner surface of exteriorglass 986 and interior sensor module 962 is mounted to an inner surfaceof interior glass 984.

Many variations and modifications to the examples described in FIGS.9A-9F exist and are considered to be within the scope of the presentdisclosure. For example, while not explicitly shown in FIGS. 9A-9F, itis to be understood that electrical wires may traverse between differentcomponents of photovoltaic windows 902, such as between photovoltaics908 and electronics packages 940, between interior sensor modules 962and electronics packages 940, and between exterior sensor modules 960and electronics packages 940. Certain embodiments, such as those shownin FIGS. 9D and 9E, may have exterior sensor modules 960 (and alsointerior sensor module 962 for FIG. 9E) integrated with electronicspackages 940 (or the container of electronics packages 940) and maybeneficially lack electrical wires connecting to these components.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a user interface screen 1011,according to some embodiments. As described herein, a user device mayprovide a user interface to facilitate user access and interaction withthe home automation system. While FIG. 10 describes a graphical userinterface, it is to be understood that other user interfaces can also besubstituted. In some embodiments, user interface screen 1011 can occupythe entire display area of the user device (e.g., if user device is amobile phone or other device with a relatively small display). In otherembodiments, user interface screen 1011 can occupy a portion of thedisplay area (e.g., a window or pane on a virtual desktop displayed on adesktop or laptop computer).

The user interface can incorporate various graphical control elementsthat the user can select in order to invoke functionality of theapplication program that generates the interface screens. For example,if user interface screen 1011 is presented on a touchscreen display, theuser can touch a control element to select it. As another example, ifthe user interface is presented on a display that is not a touchscreen,the user can operate a pointing device (e.g., mouse, trackpad, etc.) toposition a cursor over a control element, then select the controlelement by tapping or clicking.

User interface screen 1011 can be a starting screen displayed when theuser first launches an application program to control the homeautomation system. In the examples herein, the automated environment isassumed to be a home, but it is to be understood that other automatedenvironments can be configured and controlled using similar interfaces.User interface screen 1011 can provide a set of menus 1013 withgraphical control elements that, when selected, cause the applicationprogram to display information in accordance with the selected menu. Forexample, selecting “HOME” may cause user interface screen 1011 todisplay a home screen, selecting “WINDOW” may cause user interfacescreen 1011 to display a representation 1015 of a photovoltaic window(e.g., a graphical representation), selecting “3D FLOORPLAN” may causeuser interface screen 1011 to display the three-dimensional (3D) floorplan of the home, and the like.

In some embodiments, selecting “WINDOW” may cause user interface screen1011 to display an information panel 1017 that may include informationregarding the photovoltaic window contained the data signal. Forexample, information panel 1017 may include sensor data captured by thesensors of the photovoltaic window including an outside temperature, aninside temperature, an amount of detected light, and the like.Information panel 1017 may also include power data such as an amount ofelectrical power stored in the photovoltaic window, an amount ofelectrical power currently being generated by the photovoltaic window,and the like. Information panel 1017 may further include a video stream1019 shown in real time as captured by an exterior-facing camera of theselected photovoltaic window.

In various embodiments, user interface screen 1011 may provide buttonsand other graphical control elements through which a user may interactwith the home automation system. For example, in some embodiments theapp can receive user input to configure the model of the home automationsystem, e.g., by assigning photovoltaic windows having certain windowfunctions to certain rooms or locations within the home, by assigninghome functions to certain rooms or locations within the home, bydefining window actions, home actions, or mappings between sensor data,power data, window actions, and home actions, and the like.

In some embodiments, user interface screen 1011 can provide a set ofhome monitoring and control features 1021. These features can beselected to modify what information is displayed on user interfacescreen 1011 and what interactable graphical elements may be provided. Inthe illustrated example, home monitoring and control features 1021include “Window Status”, “Temperature”, “Lights”, “Perimeter Check”,“HVAC”, and “Media”. In some instances, selecting one of home monitoringand control features 1021 may cause various graphical elements to beoverlaid onto the 3D floor plan of the home, as will be shown inreference to FIGS. 11A-11H.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example of a user interface screen 1111A,according to some embodiments. In the illustrated example, graphicalelements are overlaid onto the 3D floor plan of the home that show thestatus of each photovoltaic window, i.e., whether the window is openedor closed, locked or unlocked, or whether the blinds are up or down,etc. In some instances, a user may select a particular photovoltaicwindow on user interface screen 1111A to control a window function toperform a particular window action, i.e., causing an opened window toclose, causing an unlocked window to lock, etc.

FIG. 11B illustrates an example of a user interface screen 1111B,according to some embodiments. In the illustrated example, graphicalelements are overlaid onto the 3D floor plan of the home that show thestatus of the home's perimeter. In some instances, a solid line can beoverlaid onto the outer walls of the home to show that all doors andwindows are closed and locked.

FIG. 11C illustrates an example of a user interface screen 1111C,according to some embodiments. In the illustrated example, graphicalelements are overlaid onto the 3D floor plan of the home that show a360° security view. In some instances, objects detected byexterior-facing cameras (or optionally interior-facing cameras) on thephotovoltaic windows can be indicated on user interface screen 1111C.Furthermore, in some embodiments, images and/or videos captured by theexterior-facing cameras of multiple windows may be stitched together toform a real-time 360° view of the exterior of the home (as a bird's eyeor first-person perspective). Alternatively or additionally, in asimilar manner, images and/or videos captured by the interior-facingcameras of multiple windows may be stitched together to form a real-timeview of the interior of the home (as a bird's eye or first-personperspective). User interface screen 1111C may be configured to displayone or both of these interior and exterior real-time views separately orsimultaneously for security purposes or any other purpose.

FIG. 11D illustrates an example of a user interface screen 1111D,according to some embodiments. In the illustrated example, graphicalelements are overlaid onto the 3D floor plan of the home that show anyvibrations in the home as detected using vibrations sensors equipped atthe photovoltaic windows. In some instances, such detected vibrationscan serve as a break-in detection system.

FIG. 11E illustrates an example of a user interface screen 1111E,according to some embodiments. In the illustrated example, graphicalelements are overlaid onto the 3D floor plan of the home that showdynamic temperature monitoring for local HVAC control. In someinstances, temperatures detected by interior temperature sensors on thephotovoltaic windows can be displayed in corresponding rooms. In someinstances, the user may select a displayed temperature to open up awindow through which a new room temperature may be entered. In response,the home automation system may control one or more window functions orhome functions to modify the local temperature toward the entered roomtemperature.

FIG. 11F illustrates an example of a user interface screen 1111F,according to some embodiments. In the illustrated example, graphicalelements are overlaid onto the 3D floor plan of the home that showautomated blinds control. In some instances, a user may select certainphotovoltaic windows to allow (or disallow) access to control thewindow's blinds by other home monitoring and control features. In someinstances, a user may select certain photovoltaic windows to toggle thestatus of the window's blinds to cause the blinds to open or close.

FIG. 11G illustrates an example of a user interface screen 1111G,according to some embodiments. In the illustrated example, graphicalelements are overlaid onto the 3D floor plan of the home that showautomated window control. In some instances, a user may select certainphotovoltaic windows to allow (or disallow) access to control thewindow's opening/closing mechanism by other home monitoring and controlfeatures. In some instances, a user may select certain photovoltaicwindows to toggle the status of the window to cause the window to openor close.

FIG. 11H illustrates an example of a user interface screen 1111H,according to some embodiments. In the illustrated example, graphicalelements are overlaid onto the 3D floor plan of the home that showautomated lighting or other smart home features based on illumination.In some instances, a user may view which lighting devices (windowfunctions or home functions) are currently turned on and/or which roomcontain such devices. In some instances, a user may select certainlighting or other devices to change their status (e.g., a user may turnoff interior or exterior lighting).

FIG. 12A illustrates an example mapping 1290A that may be implementedwithin a home automation system, according to some embodiments. In someinstances, mappings 1290 may relate sensor data captured by sensors 1228of the photovoltaic windows to certain window actions performed bywindow functions 1222 of the photovoltaic windows and/or certain homeactions performed by home functions 1224. In the illustrated example, inresponse to motion sensors at the photovoltaic windows detecting objectsoutside of the home, video can be recorded and audio can be triggered toscare potential intruders away (e.g. dog barking), thereby implementinga security system within the home automation system.

FIG. 12B illustrates an example mapping 1290B that may be implementedwithin a home automation system, according to some embodiments. In theillustrated example, in response to exterior temperature sensors at thephotovoltaic windows detecting that the outside temperature is below apredetermined threshold, the windows may be closed to prevent the insidetemperature from dropping. As such, opening and/or closing of thewindows can be caused for ventilation based on temperature/weather.

FIG. 12C illustrates an example mapping 1290C that may be implementedwithin a home automation system, according to some embodiments. In theillustrated example, in response to exterior light sensors at thephotovoltaic windows detecting that the exterior light is above apredetermined threshold, the window blinds may be opened, the lightingat the window may be turned off, and/or the exterior lighting may beturned off. Alternatively or additionally, the tint state of the windowmay be modified using electrochromic control. As such, lighting andwindow tint can be controlled based on external illumination.

FIG. 12D illustrates an example mapping 1290D that may be implementedwithin a home automation system, according to some embodiments. In theillustrated example, in response to exterior motion sensors at thephotovoltaic windows detecting an exterior object (or interior motionsensors at the photovoltaic windows detecting an interior object), theinterior or exterior lighting may be modified to illuminate the detectedobject. As such, lighting can map the movement of individuals around andinside of a home or building.

FIG. 12E illustrates an example mapping 1290E that may be implementedwithin a home automation system, according to some embodiments. In theillustrated example, in response to exterior temperature sensors at thephotovoltaic windows detecting certain combinations of temperature andhumidity and interior temperature sensor at the photovoltaic windowsdetecting certain interior temperatures, the windows, blinds, and HVACmay be modified in a particular manner to conserve energy using alocalized model.

FIG. 12F illustrates an example mapping 1290F that may be implementedwithin a home automation system, according to some embodiments. In theillustrated example, in response to the home's heating or cooling systembeing activated, the photovoltaic windows may be closed to preserveenergy.

Many variations and modifications to the examples described in FIGS.12A-12F exist and are considered to be within the scope of the presentdisclosure. For example, any cause and effect mapping between theillustrated tables are possible, including, for example, any mappingfrom the Environment (Outside) table and/or the Environment (Inside)table to the Sensors table, any mapping from the Sensors table to theWindow Functions/Actions table and/or the Home Functions/Actions table,or any mapping from the Home Functions/Actions table to the WindowFunctions/Actions table, among other possibilities.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method 1300 of operating a photovoltaic window,according to some embodiments. One or more steps of method 1300 may beomitted during performance of method 1300, and steps of method 1300 maybe performed in any order and/or in parallel. One or more steps ofmethod 1300 may be performed by one or more processors. Method 1300 maybe implemented as a computer-readable medium or computer program productcomprising instructions which, when the program is executed by one ormore computers, cause the one or more computers to carry out the stepsof method 1300.

At step 1302, electrical power is generated using a photovoltaic (e.g.,photovoltaics 108, 208, 808, 908) of a photovoltaic window (e.g.,photovoltaic windows 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 802, 902). The electricalpower may be generated from incident light onto the photovoltaic window.The photovoltaic may be disposed in parallel with an interior glass(e.g., interior glass 584, 784, 884, 984) or an exterior glass (e.g.,exterior glass 586, 786, 886, 986) of a glass unit (e.g., IGUs 352, 452,552, 752, 852, 952) of the photovoltaic window.

At step 1304, the electrical power is sent from the photovoltaic to anelectronics package (e.g., electronics packages 240, 440, 540, 640, 840,940) of the photovoltaic window.

The electronics package may be coupled with the glass unit. For example,the electronics package may be coupled directly with the glass unit orcoupled indirectly with the glass unit via one or more intermediatecomponents.

At step 1306, the electrical power is stored at the electronics package.The electrical power may be stored at a power storage (e.g., powerstorages 212, 412, 612) of the electronics package.

At step 1308, the electrical power is distributed from the electronicspackage to at least one electrical load (e.g., electrical load 236) ofthe photovoltaic window. The at least one electrical load may include awireless communication system (e.g., wireless communication systems 216,416, 616), one or more sensors (e.g., sensors 128, 228, 328, 1228), oneor more window functions (e.g., window functions 122, 222, 1222), and/ora power outlet (e.g., power outlets 226, 326, 426, 526, 626).

At step 1310, the electrical power is consumed by the at least oneelectrical load.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method 1400 of operating a home automation system,according to some embodiments. One or more steps of method 1400 may beomitted during performance of method 1400, and steps of method 1400 maybe performed in any order and/or in parallel. One or more steps ofmethod 1400 may be performed by one or more processors. Method 1400 maybe implemented as a computer-readable medium or computer program productcomprising instructions which, when the program is executed by one ormore computers, cause the one or more computers to carry out the stepsof method 1400.

At step 1402, electrical power is generated using a photovoltaic (e.g.,photovoltaics 108, 208, 808, 908) of a photovoltaic window (e.g.,photovoltaic windows 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 802, 902). Thephotovoltaic window may be one of one or more photovoltaic windows of ahome automation system (e.g., home automation systems 100, 200). Theelectrical power may be generated from incident light onto thephotovoltaic window.

At step 1404, the electrical power is sent from the photovoltaic to awireless communication system (e.g., wireless communication systems 216,416, 616) of the photovoltaic window. Receiving the electrical power mayenable wireless communication between the wireless communication systemand a hub device (e.g., hub devices 134, 234) of the home automationsystem. The wireless communication system may be solely powered by theelectrical power generated by the photovoltaic.

At step 1406, a data signal (e.g., data signal 292) is sent from thewireless communication system to the hub device. The data signal mayinclude information regarding the photovoltaic window. The data signalmay include sensor data and/or power data.

At step 1408, a control signal (e.g., control signal 294) is sent fromthe hub device to the wireless communication system.

At step 1410, one or more window actions are performed by one or morewindow functions (e.g., window functions 122, 222, 1222) at thephotovoltaic window in accordance with the control signal.

FIG. 15 illustrates a method 1500 of controlling a photovoltaic windowfrom a user device, according to some embodiments. One or more steps ofmethod 1500 may be omitted during performance of method 1500, and stepsof method 1500 may be performed in any order and/or in parallel. One ormore steps of method 1500 may be performed by one or more processors.Method 1500 may be implemented as a computer-readable medium or computerprogram product comprising instructions which, when the program isexecuted by one or more computers, cause the one or more computers tocarry out the steps of method 1500.

At step 1502, a representation (e.g., representation 1015) of aphotovoltaic window (e.g., photovoltaic windows 102, 202, 302, 402, 502,802, 902) is generated. The representation may be a graphicalrepresentation. The representation may be generated at a user device(e.g., user devices 120, 220, 1920). The representation of may generatedby an application program running (or executing) on the user device.

At step 1504, a user input is received via a user interface (e.g., userinterface 1929) of the user device. The user input may indicate aselection of the representation of the photovoltaic window. The userinput may correspond to a user (e.g., user 104) interacting with agraphical element on the user interface and/or a display (e.g., display1937) of the user device causing the representation of the photovoltaicwindow to be displayed, or causing the selection of thealready-displayed representation of the photovoltaic window.

At step 1506, a control signal (e.g., control signal 294) for modifyingan operation of the photovoltaic window is generated. The control signalmay be generated in response to receiving the user input. The controlsignal may be generated at the user device.

At step 1508, the control signal is sent to a wireless communicationsystem (e.g., wireless communication systems 216, 416, 616) of thephotovoltaic window. The control signal may be sent by the user device.The control signal may be sent using a communication interface (e.g.,communication interface 1935) of the user device. The wirelesscommunication system may be powered solely by electrical power generatedby a photovoltaic (e.g., photovoltaics 108, 208, 808, 908) of thephotovoltaic window. The electrical power may be generated from incidentlight onto the photovoltaic window.

At step 1510, a data signal (e.g., data signal 292) is received. Thedata signal may include information regarding the photovoltaic window.The data signal may be generated by the photovoltaic window in responseto receiving the control signal. The data signal may be received by theuser device. The user device may display the information regarding thephotovoltaic window on the display.

FIG. 16 illustrates various plots showing daily photovoltaic energygeneration, according to some embodiments. The illustrated datacorresponds to the daily energy generated from a 3 feet by 5 feetphotovoltaic window at 1% efficiency facing four different directions:North, East, South, and West. Different data points correspond todifferent regions of the United States. It can be observed that thedaily energy generated is lowest when the photovoltaic window is facingNorth, and that some of the highest amounts of energy are generated whenthe photovoltaic window is facing South. The lower bounds for the dataare also shown in each of the four plots.

FIG. 17 illustrates a table showing daily photovoltaic energygeneration, according to some embodiments. The data in the illustratedtable is calculated based on the data shown in the plots in FIG. 16 .For example, the table shows that the lower bound daily energyconsumptions for all four directions is 0.0025 kWh/day (and 0.0075kWh/day when only considering climate zones 1-3), for East/South/West is0.0075 kWh/day (and 0.0175 kWh/day when only considering climate zones1-3), and for South only is 0.0150 kWh/day.

FIG. 18 illustrates a plot showing the daily energy consumption forvarious devices, according to some embodiments. The devices includesensors, cameras, smart home devices, speakers, displays, lights, andother window functions such as motorized blinds and electrochromicdevices. Also shown in FIG. 18 are the lower bound daily energyconsumptions from FIGS. 16 and 17 . It can be observed that thephotovoltaic windows can power many different electrical components anddevices as currently configured. It should be noted that more and moredevices will become compatible with the photovoltaic windows as theenergy efficiencies increase for both the devices as well as thephotovoltaic windows.

FIG. 19 illustrates s a simplified block diagram of a user device 1920,according to some embodiments. User device 1920 can implement any or allof the functions, behaviors, and capabilities described herein, as wellas other functions, behaviors, and capabilities not expressly described.User device 1920 can include processing subsystem 1902, storage device1933, user interface 1929, communication interface 1935, and display1937. User device 1920 can also include other components (not explicitlyshown) such as a battery, power controllers, and other componentsoperable to provide various enhanced capabilities. In variousembodiments, user device 1920 can be implemented in a desktop computer,laptop computer, tablet computer, smart phone, other mobile phone,wearable computing device, or other systems having any desired formfactor. Further, user device 1920 can be implemented partly in a basestation and partly in a mobile unit that communicates with the basestation and provides a user interface.

Storage device 1933 can be implemented, e.g., using disk, flash memory,or any other non-transitory storage medium, or a combination of media,and can include volatile and/or non-volatile media. In some embodiments,storage device 1933 can store one or more application and/or operatingsystem programs to be executed by processing subsystem 1902, includingprograms to implement various operations described above. For example,storage device 1933 can store an application program for presenting theuser interface screens described in FIGS. 10-11H on display 1937 and/oruser interface 1929.

User interface 1929 can include input devices such as a touch pad, touchscreen, scroll wheel, click wheel, dial, button, switch, keypad,microphone, or the like, as well as output devices such as a videoscreen, indicator lights, speakers, headphone jacks, or the like,together with supporting electronics (e.g., digital to analog or analogto digital converters, signal processors, or the like). A user canoperate input devices of user interface 1929 to invoke the functionalityof user device 1920 and can view and/or hear output from user device1920 via output devices of user interface 1929 (and/or via display 1937,which may be integrated with user interface 1929).

Processing subsystem 1902 can be implemented as one or more integratedcircuits, e.g., one or more single core or multi core microprocessors ormicrocontrollers, examples of which are known in the art. In operation,processing subsystem 1902 can control the operation of user device 1920.In various embodiments, processing subsystem 1902 can execute a varietyof programs in response to program code and can maintain multipleconcurrently executing programs or processes. At any given time, some orall of the program code to be executed can be resident in processingsubsystem 1902 and/or in storage media such as storage device 1933.

Through suitable programming, processing subsystem 1902 can providevarious functionality for user device 1920. For example, in someembodiments, processing subsystem 1902 can implement various processes(or portions thereof) described above as being implemented by a userdevice. Processing subsystem 1902 can also execute other programs tocontrol other functions of user device 1920, including applicationprograms that may be stored in storage device 1933.

Communication interface 1935 can provide voice and/or data communicationcapability for user device 1920. In some embodiments communicationinterface 1935 can include radio frequency (RF) transceiver componentsfor accessing wireless voice and/or data networks (e.g., using cellulartelephone technology, data network technology such as 3G, 4G/LTE, WiFi,other IEEE 802.11 family standards, or other mobile communicationtechnologies, or any combination thereof), components for short rangewireless communication (e.g., using Bluetooth and/or Bluetooth LEstandards, NFC, etc.), and/or other components. In some embodimentscommunication interface 1935 can provide wired network connectivity(e.g., Ethernet) in addition to or instead of a wireless interface.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example computer system 2000 comprising varioushardware elements, according to some embodiments. Computer system 2000may be incorporated into or integrated with devices described hereinand/or may be configured to perform some or all of the steps of themethods provided by various embodiments. For example, in variousembodiments, computer system 2000 may be incorporated into photovoltaicwindows, hub devices, or user devices. It should be noted that FIG. 20is meant only to provide a generalized illustration of variouscomponents, any or all of which may be utilized as appropriate. FIG. 20, therefore, broadly illustrates how individual system elements may beimplemented in a relatively separated or relatively more integratedmanner.

In the illustrated example, computer system 2000 includes acommunication medium 2002, one or more processor(s) 2004, one or moreinput device(s) 2006, one or more output device(s) 2008, acommunications subsystem 2010, and one or more memory device(s) 2012.Computer system 2000 may be implemented using various hardwareimplementations and embedded system technologies. For example, one ormore elements of computer system 2000 may be implemented as afield-programmable gate array (FPGA), such as those commerciallyavailable by XILINX®, INTEL®, or LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR®, asystem-on-a-chip (SoC), an application-specific integrated circuit(ASIC), an application-specific standard product (ASSP), amicrocontroller, and/or a hybrid device, such as an SoC FPGA, amongother possibilities.

The various hardware elements of computer system 2000 may becommunicatively coupled via communication medium 2002. Whilecommunication medium 2002 is illustrated as a single connection forpurposes of clarity, it should be understood that communication medium2002 may include various numbers and types of communication media fortransferring data between hardware elements. For example, communicationmedium 2002 may include one or more wires (e.g., conductive traces,paths, or leads on a printed circuit board (PCB) or integrated circuit(IC), microstrips, striplines, coaxial cables), one or more opticalwaveguides (e.g., optical fibers, strip waveguides), and/or one or morewireless connections or links (e.g., infrared wireless communication,radio communication, microwave wireless communication), among otherpossibilities.

In some embodiments, communication medium 2002 may include one or morebuses connecting pins of the hardware elements of computer system 2000.For example, communication medium 2002 may include a bus that connectsprocessor(s) 2004 with main memory 2014, referred to as a system bus,and a bus that connects main memory 2014 with input device(s) 2006 oroutput device(s) 2008, referred to as an expansion bus. The system busmay itself consist of several buses, including an address bus, a databus, and a control bus. The address bus may carry a memory address fromprocessor(s) 2004 to the address bus circuitry associated with mainmemory 2014 in order for the data bus to access and carry the datacontained at the memory address back to processor(s) 2004. The controlbus may carry commands from processor(s) 2004 and return status signalsfrom main memory 2014. Each bus may include multiple wires for carryingmultiple bits of information and each bus may support serial or paralleltransmission of data.

Processor(s) 2004 may include one or more central processing units(CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), neural network processors oraccelerators, digital signal processors (DSPs), and/or othergeneral-purpose or special-purpose processors capable of executinginstructions. A CPU may take the form of a microprocessor, which may befabricated on a single IC chip of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effecttransistor (MOSFET) construction. Processor(s) 2004 may include one ormore multi-core processors, in which each core may read and executeprogram instructions concurrently with the other cores, increasing speedfor programs that support multithreading.

Input device(s) 2006 may include one or more of various user inputdevices such as a mouse, a keyboard, a microphone, as well as varioussensor input devices, such as an image capture device, a pressure sensor(e.g., barometer, tactile sensor), a temperature sensor (e.g.,thermometer, thermocouple, thermistor), a movement sensor (e.g.,accelerometer, gyroscope, tilt sensor), a light sensor (e.g.,photodiode, photodetector, charge-coupled device), and/or the like.Input device(s) 2006 may also include devices for reading and/orreceiving removable storage devices or other removable media. Suchremovable media may include optical discs (e.g., Blu-ray discs, DVDs,CDs), memory cards (e.g., CompactFlash card, Secure Digital (SD) card,Memory Stick), floppy disks, Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drives,external hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs), and/orthe like.

Output device(s) 2008 may include one or more of various devices thatconvert information into human-readable form, such as without limitationa display device, a speaker, a printer, a haptic or tactile device,and/or the like. Output device(s) 2008 may also include devices forwriting to removable storage devices or other removable media, such asthose described in reference to input device(s) 2006. Output device(s)2008 may also include various actuators for causing physical movement ofone or more components. Such actuators may be hydraulic, pneumatic,electric, and may be controlled using control signals generated bycomputer system 2000.

Communications subsystem 2010 may include hardware components forconnecting computer system 2000 to systems or devices that are locatedexternal to computer system 2000, such as over a computer network. Invarious embodiments, communications subsystem 2010 may include a wiredcommunication device coupled to one or more input/output ports (e.g., auniversal asynchronous receiver-transmitter (UART)), an opticalcommunication device (e.g., an optical modem), an infrared communicationdevice, a radio communication device (e.g., a wireless network interfacecontroller, a BLUETOOTH® device, an IEEE 802.11 device, a Wi-Fi device,a Wi-Max device, a cellular device), among other possibilities.

Memory device(s) 2012 may include the various data storage devices ofcomputer system 2000. For example, memory device(s) 2012 may includevarious types of computer memory with various response times andcapacities, from faster response times and lower capacity memory, suchas processor registers and caches (e.g., L0, L1, L2), to medium responsetime and medium capacity memory, such as random-access memory (RAM), tolower response times and lower capacity memory, such as solid-statedrives and hard drive disks. While processor(s) 2004 and memorydevice(s) 2012 are illustrated as being separate elements, it should beunderstood that processor(s) 2004 may include varying levels ofon-processor memory, such as processor registers and caches that may beutilized by a single processor or shared between multiple processors.

Memory device(s) 2012 may include main memory 2014, which may bedirectly accessible by processor(s) 2004 via the memory bus ofcommunication medium 2002. For example, processor(s) 2004 maycontinuously read and execute instructions stored in main memory 2014.As such, various software elements may be loaded into main memory 2014to be read and executed by processor(s) 2004 as illustrated in FIG. 20 .Typically, main memory 2014 is volatile memory, which loses all datawhen power is turned off and accordingly needs power to preserve storeddata. Main memory 2014 may further include a small portion ofnon-volatile memory containing software (e.g., firmware, such as BIOS)that is used for reading other software stored in memory device(s) 2012into main memory 2014. In some embodiments, the volatile memory of mainmemory 2014 is implemented as RAM, such as dynamic random-access memory(DRAM), and the non-volatile memory of main memory 2014 is implementedas read-only memory (ROM), such as flash memory, erasable programmableread-only memory (EPROM), or electrically erasable programmableread-only memory (EEPROM).

Computer system 2000 may include software elements, shown as beingcurrently located within main memory 2014, which may include anoperating system, device driver(s), firmware, compilers, and/or othercode, such as one or more application programs, which may includecomputer programs provided by various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Merely by way of example, one or more steps described withrespect to any methods discussed above, may be implemented asinstructions 2016, which are executable by computer system 2000. In oneexample, such instructions 2016 may be received by computer system 2000using communications subsystem 2010 (e.g., via a wireless or wiredsignal that carries instructions 2016), carried by communication medium2002 to memory device(s) 2012, stored within memory device(s) 2012, readinto main memory 2014, and executed by processor(s) 2004 to perform oneor more steps of the described methods. In another example, instructions2016 may be received by computer system 2000 using input device(s) 2006(e.g., via a reader for removable media), carried by communicationmedium 2002 to memory device(s) 2012, stored within memory device(s)2012, read into main memory 2014, and executed by processor(s) 2004 toperform one or more steps of the described methods.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, instructions 2016 arestored on a computer-readable storage medium (or simplycomputer-readable medium). Such a computer-readable medium may benon-transitory and may therefore be referred to as a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium. In some cases, the non-transitorycomputer-readable medium may be incorporated within computer system2000. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may beone of memory device(s) 2012 (as shown in FIG. 20 ). In some cases, thenon-transitory computer-readable medium may be separate from computersystem 2000. In one example, the non-transitory computer-readable mediummay be a removable medium provided to input device(s) 2006 (as shown inFIG. 20 ), such as those described in reference to input device(s) 2006,with instructions 2016 being read into computer system 2000 by inputdevice(s) 2006. In another example, the non-transitory computer-readablemedium may be a component of a remote electronic device, such as amobile phone, that may wirelessly transmit a data signal that carriesinstructions 2016 to computer system 2000 and that is received bycommunications subsystem 2010 (as shown in FIG. 20 ).

Instructions 2016 may take any suitable form to be read and/or executedby computer system 2000. For example, instructions 2016 may be sourcecode (written in a human-readable programming language such as Java, C,C++, C#, Python), object code, assembly language, machine code,microcode, executable code, and/or the like. In one example,instructions 2016 are provided to computer system 2000 in the form ofsource code, and a compiler is used to translate instructions 2016 fromsource code to machine code, which may then be read into main memory2014 for execution by processor(s) 2004. As another example,instructions 2016 are provided to computer system 2000 in the form of anexecutable file with machine code that may immediately be read into mainmemory 2014 for execution by processor(s) 2004. In various examples,instructions 2016 may be provided to computer system 2000 in encryptedor unencrypted form, compressed or uncompressed form, as an installationpackage or an initialization for a broader software deployment, amongother possibilities.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a system (e.g., computer system2000) is provided to perform methods in accordance with variousembodiments of the present disclosure. For example, some embodiments mayinclude a system comprising one or more processors (e.g., processor(s)2004) that are communicatively coupled to a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium (e.g., memory device(s) 2012 or main memory2014). The non-transitory computer-readable medium may have instructions(e.g., instructions 2016) stored therein that, when executed by the oneor more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform themethods described in the various embodiments.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-program productthat includes instructions (e.g., instructions 2016) is provided toperform methods in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The computer-program product may be tangibly embodied in anon-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory device(s) 2012 ormain memory 2014). The instructions may be configured to cause one ormore processors (e.g., processor(s) 2004) to perform the methodsdescribed in the various embodiments.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium (e.g., memory device(s) 2012 or main memory2014) is provided. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may haveinstructions (e.g., instructions 2016) stored therein that, whenexecuted by one or more processors (e.g., processor(s) 2004), cause theone or more processors to perform the methods described in the variousembodiments.

The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Variousconfigurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures orcomponents as appropriate. For instance, in alternative configurations,the methods may be performed in an order different from that described,and/or various stages may be added, omitted, and/or combined. Also,features described with respect to certain configurations may becombined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elementsof the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also,technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and donot limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.

Specific details are given in the description to provide a thoroughunderstanding of exemplary configurations including implementations.However, configurations may be practiced without these specific details.For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, andtechniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoidobscuring the configurations. This description provides exampleconfigurations only, and does not limit the scope, applicability, orconfigurations of the claims. Rather, the preceding description of theconfigurations will provide those skilled in the art with an enablingdescription for implementing described techniques. Various changes maybe made in the function and arrangement of elements without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

Having described several example configurations, various modifications,alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departingfrom the spirit of the disclosure. For example, the above elements maybe components of a larger system, wherein other rules may takeprecedence over or otherwise modify the application of the technology.Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before, during, or after theabove elements are considered. Accordingly, the above description doesnot bind the scope of the claims.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a user” includes referenceto one or more of such users, and reference to “a processor” includesreference to one or more processors and equivalents thereof known tothose skilled in the art, and so forth.

Also, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” “contains,” “containing,”“include,” “including,” and “includes,” when used in this specificationand in the following claims, are intended to specify the presence ofstated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.

It is also understood that the examples and embodiments described hereinare for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications orchanges in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the artand are to be included within the spirit and purview of this applicationand scope of the appended claims.

The disclosures of the following patent applications are incorporated byreference in their entirety for all purposes: U.S. Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/836,161, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/086,923, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/358,075 (which is U.S.

Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0186623), U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/495,379 (which is U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2013/0333755), PCT Patent Publication No. WO2020/056361, and PCT Patent Publication No. WO 2018/232358.

What is claimed is:
 1. A user device comprising: a user interface; a communication interface to communicate with one or more photovoltaic windows; and a processing subsystem that is communicatively coupled to the user interface and the communication interface, wherein the processing subsystem is configured to: generate a graphical representation of a photovoltaic window of the one or more photovoltaic windows, the graphical representation of the photovoltaic window being selectable by a user; receive a user input via the user interface indicating a selection of the graphical representation of the photovoltaic window; generate, in response to receiving the user input, a control signal for modifying an operation of the photovoltaic window; and send, using the communication interface, the control signal to a wireless communication system of the photovoltaic window, wherein the wireless communication system is solely powered by electrical power generated by a photovoltaic integrated with a glass of the photovoltaic window from incident light onto the photovoltaic window.
 2. The user device of claim 1, wherein the processing subsystem is further configured to: execute an application program that allows the user to operate the user interface to provide the user input.
 3. The user device of claim 1, wherein the control signal is sent to the wireless communication system of the photovoltaic window via a hub device of a home automation system, the hub device being communicatively coupled to the user device and the one or more photovoltaic windows.
 4. The user device of claim 1, wherein the processing subsystem is further configured to: receive a data signal from the wireless communication system of the photovoltaic window, wherein the data signal includes information regarding the photovoltaic window.
 5. The user device of claim 4, wherein the information regarding the photovoltaic window includes sensor data captured using one or more sensors of the photovoltaic window, wherein the one or more sensors are solely powered by the electrical power generated by the photovoltaic.
 6. The user device of claim 1, further comprising: a display configured to display the graphical representation of the photovoltaic window.
 7. The user device of claim 6, wherein the display is further configured to display a real-time exterior view of a home that is formed by stitching together images or videos captured by exterior-facing cameras of the one or more photovoltaic windows.
 8. The user device of claim 1, wherein the user input indicates a selection of a window function from one or more window functions installed at the photovoltaic window.
 9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a user device, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: generating a graphical representation of a photovoltaic window, the graphical representation of the photovoltaic window being selectable by a user; receiving a user input via a user interface of the user device indicating a selection of the graphical representation of the photovoltaic window; generating, in response to receiving the user input, a control signal for modifying an operation of the photovoltaic window; and sending, using a communication interface of the user device, the control signal to a wireless communication system of the photovoltaic window, wherein the wireless communication system is solely powered by electrical power generated by a photovoltaic integrated with a glass of the photovoltaic window from incident light onto the photovoltaic window.
 10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the operations further comprise: executing an application program that allows the user to operate the user interface to provide the user input.
 11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the control signal is sent to the wireless communication system of the photovoltaic window via a hub device of a home automation system, the hub device being communicatively coupled to the user device and one or more photovoltaic windows including the photovoltaic window.
 12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving a data signal from the wireless communication system of the photovoltaic window, wherein the data signal includes information regarding the photovoltaic window.
 13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein the information regarding the photovoltaic window includes sensor data captured using one or more sensors of the photovoltaic window, wherein the one or more sensors are solely powered by the electrical power generated by the photovoltaic.
 14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the operations further comprise: displaying, at a display of the user device, the graphical representation of the photovoltaic window.
 15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the user input indicates a selection of a window function from one or more window functions installed at the photovoltaic window.
 16. A computer-implemented method comprising: generating a graphical representation of a photovoltaic window, the graphical representation of the photovoltaic window being selectable by a user; receiving a user input via a user interface indicating a selection of the graphical representation of the photovoltaic window; generating, in response to receiving the user input, a control signal for modifying an operation of the photovoltaic window; and sending, using a communication interface, the control signal to a wireless communication system of the photovoltaic window, wherein the wireless communication system is solely powered by electrical power generated by a photovoltaic integrated with a glass of the photovoltaic window from incident light onto the photovoltaic window.
 17. The computer-implemented method of claim 16, further comprising: executing an application program that allows the user to operate the user interface to provide the user input.
 18. The computer-implemented method of claim 16, wherein the control signal is sent to the wireless communication system of the photovoltaic window via a hub device of a home automation system, the hub device being communicatively coupled to one or more photovoltaic windows including the photovoltaic window.
 19. The computer-implemented method of claim 16, further comprising: receiving a data signal from the wireless communication system of the photovoltaic window, wherein the data signal includes information regarding the photovoltaic window.
 20. The computer-implemented method of claim 19, wherein the information regarding the photovoltaic window includes sensor data captured using one or more sensors of the photovoltaic window, wherein the one or more sensors are solely powered by the electrical power generated by the photovoltaic. 